Businesses sought to fund flood scheme

Environment Agency reveals shortfall of £111,000 for flood alleviation scheme in West Berkshire

BUSINESSES in Newbury are being asked for cash to pay for flood defences in the town.

The Environment Agency is holding a special meeting tomorrow evening (Tuesday) to go cap in hand to local businesses to financially support a Flood Alleviation Scheme for Newbury, after funding for the scheme has fallen £111,000 short.

The scheme aims to protect large areas of Newbury town centre from the catastrophic impact of flooding, particularly in light of the devastating impact that the severe floods of 2007 had on local businesses, and it is estimated to cost £1.536 million.

From the work undertaken so far, £1.2m has been secured from central government along with commitments of £180,000 from West Berkshire Council and £45,000 from Newbury Town Council (a total of £1.425m) which leaves the £111,000 shortfall.

West Berkshire Council's portfolio holder for community safety Anthony Stansfeld (Con, Kintbury) said that if the money could not be sourced the scheme would not go ahead, and the investment in Newbury's critical infrastructure would be lost.

"The government's payment methodology dictates that in order for the project to be approved and the funding released, at least some small part of the scheme should be funded by the scheme beneficiaries.

"Ideally, small contributions from a number of beneficiaries would provide an affordable solution,” he said.

If the funds are raised, the scheme approved work could commence on site as soon as March 2012.

The meeting will take place at 7pm tomorrow at Shaw House, Church Road, Newbury.

All local businesses are welcome.